Business Law
Stephen A. Colley represents individuals—including franchisors and franchisees—and corporate clients in a wide array of business law matters. He has comprehensive knowledge of complex business issues involving the purchase and sale of businesses, real estate, shareholder agreements, contract laws, and other business related matters.
Whether you are setting up a new corporation, purchasing or selling a business or franchise, involved in a breach of contract claim, or anticipating disputes, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who has extensive experience handling business law matters. More....
Franchise Law
Franchise law is a broad legal category encompassing all aspects of franchising and related areas such as licensing of retail outlets through the use of trade names, trademarks, or service marks. In the United States, franchising is governed by both federal and state law. The federal law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the individual states regulate franchising within their state. Because franchise laws are complex and vary from state-to-state, those who are considering the development of a franchise system or who are buying a franchise, should consult with a qualified attorney. More....
The use of an entity to own and operate a business will provide the owners with a great deal of personal liability protection. The term "entity" refers to a corporation, limited liability company, Limited Partnership and so forth.
There are many decisions to make in forming an entity but the process should not be especially difficult and with input from your accountant for tax purposes, most of the issues can be resolved early on. More....
The purchase or sale of a business usually involves such a large amount of money relative to the parties' net worth that it is a time to be especially careful in choosing the structure and processing of the transaction. More....
Veterinarian & Other Professional Practices
Almost all of the information provided under "Business Law", "Business Transactions", "Entity Formation", "Real Estate" and "Commercial Leases", also applies to professional practices. Yet there are many unique issues that apply to all professional practices as a group and also individually to each of them. Professionals are subject to licensing and various regulations pertaining to patient/client treatment, methods used, premise requirement, ethics, conflicts, continuing education and so forth.
We have had experience in handling the sale transaction of various types of professional practices including dentist, but especially veterinarian transactions. Our relationship with these various professionals has allowed us to handle a large number of transactions over the last 17 years. More....
Because of the large scope of legal services that are included in the term "real estate" or "real property", it is important to focus on matching your particular needs to the lawyer used. These terms can include legal services relating to sale transactions, commercial leasing, property development, environmental conditions, land use issues, landlord/tenant, easements & other property restrictions, condo development & management and others. Most attorneys work only in a few of the different real estate areas. Our focus is on the purchase and sale of real property, commercial leases and interrelated areas such as brokering, escrows, title insurance and others. Consider these areas of service when you encounter a real estate transaction, commercial lease or even a land use issue such as an easement. More....
There are both commercial and residential leases. Most of our legal services relate to commercial leases. All business owners, except those who own their own premises or work out of their home, will need to enter into a commercial lease. For many business and practice owners, far too little attention is given to the legal issues. More....
Estate Planning
Estate planning is the creation of a plan for managing, preserving, and distributing your assets both during your lifetime and after your death. A well-drafted and properly implemented estate plan ensures your wealth is transferred only to the beneficiaries you choose, protects your family from the time, expense and publicity associated with the judicial probate of your estate, avoids court-appointed guardians if you die while your children are still young, and reduces or totally eliminates the burden of estate taxes after your death. Estate plans can also contribute to family harmony and a smooth transition of your wealth to the next generation.We can customize your estate plan to make sure your assets pass when you want, how you want, and to whom you want by using some or all of the following methods:
• Last Will and Testament
• Revocable Living Trust
• Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
• Advance Health Care Directive
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
• Special Needs Trust for the Disabled
• Family Limited Partnerships
• Business Succession Planning
• Lifetime Gifts
• Charitable Giving
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